Our local library has a wonderful summer reading program for the kids.

They give a lot of prizes for reading logs and other challenges given throughout the summer months.  One of the things we love and look forward to is that every Wednesday, they have scheduled guest entertainment.

So fun.

These entertainers range from the OKC Zoo with fun animals, “Mad” Scientists that do amazing chemical reactions, Musicians that get the kids up and moving, and more.

This was the third year for us to attend what has become one of our favorite performing duos…Juggle Whatever.

Juggle Whatever is a husband and wife duo who bring a fun and exciting act to the library each summer.  Jeremy and Kelsey have a great rapport with the kids.  They interact perfectly with those in attendance and the children respond well to them.

For the thirty minutes or so that we get to see them, Jeremy juggles balls, pins, etc. as well as doing it all on a unicycle!  Kelsey also interacts in the juggling and brings hula-hooping into the mix.  This year we saw a little bit of acrobatics in the program as well.  The first year I saw them was wonderful, and then the next year they turned off the lights and did a glow show!  What!  I love it, and so do my kids.  Each year they just keep getting better and better.

Juggle Whatever travels all over the nation performing an amazing entertaining show.  We are always riveted to each step of the performance.  The duo also have many other talents that the library doesn’t afford them room to perform, such as walking on stilts or juggling/hooping with props on fire.  Hello.

The second part I appreciate about there performances is the message that comes with them.  Jeremy and Kelsey add in the message of what it takes to be able to do and perform their acts.  Making mistakes.  They always speak on the idea that mistakes will happen when learning something new.  This year they spoke about “grit”, the characteristic of pushing through until you have achieved what you set out to achieve.  As stated on their website…

I appreciate this because I had real trouble with this as a kid and I see it in my own kids.  It is very powerful for Builder and Princess to hear that message from a couple they admire.

In addition, at the end of the library program the kids get to give plate spinning or juggling a try of their own.  They get to practice the fun stuff, and practice making mistakes in a safe and fun environment.

At this year’s program, Kelsey mentioned that they have applied through Performers Without Borders for a chance to travel to Kenya to perform their act and deliver their message to children on the continent of Africa!  So next year when we see them, they may be international superstars!!!

An added benefit of this whole thing is that Princess is very interested in the art of hooping and so this year, we will be purchasing a beginner hoop for her.  That will be her big yearlong goal to improve and move forward in (and stick with) the craft of hooping.  I am excited as well because, well, of course I have to get a hoop now to help Princess learn her tricks! (wink, wink)

If you are in need of entertainment for a gathering, downtown event, library program, etc.  I highly recommend looking into Juggle Whatever.  You can find them here on the web, or here on Facebook.  They are two very friendly, inspiring, amazing people.  We love to see them each year, and may try to see them in some of their other venues around the area.

We wish them many blessings and much favor throughout the year.

And You? ~ What skill would you attempt if you allowed yourself the grit to push past the mistakes?